About Soraya Tohidi

I am a Canadian artist of Persian, Russian, and French ancestry. I was born and raised in Congo-Zaire, spent my teenage years in communist Laos, and later chose to raise my children in China. These diverse experiences have infused my life and art with a rich palette of colors and a deep appreciation for the natural processes that shape both the world and my creative journey.

Just as my travels brought vibrancy, living with fibromyalgia and mourning my former self introduced contrast—shadow and light, and a pursuit of inner joy. Art became a sanctuary where I could transcend physical pain and reconnect with beauty in the midst of chaos. Like a seed breaking through darkness to reach the light, I paint to feel that light. Flowers became my subject because they bring joy, embody gentle resilience, and offer healing through their beauty.

I often work on old or abandoned canvases, giving them new life. This is more than reusing materials—it's about honoring nature’s quiet transformations. Like a lotus rising from the mud, my paintings emerge through layered imperfections, reflecting my belief in renewal and the power of transformation. Through this process, I seek to mirror the potential for growth and change within each of us.